Seniors from across Tshwane upskilled on maintaining healthy gardens
The senior citizens enjoyed different activities and were educated about the importance of preserving nature.
Elderly citizens from different townships in Pretoria were taught about plant propagation and the importance of maintaining a healthy garden in a bid to spread the spirit of the late Nelson Mandela’s legacy of compassion and service.
The South African National Biodiversity Institute (Sanbi) hosted the special Mandela Day event on July 18 at the Pretoria National Botanical Garden.
The main focus of the event was to teach a group of elderly citizens about plant propagation and the importance of maintaining a healthy garden.
Sanbi experts led workshops and demonstrations to share their knowledge and expertise with the elderly as part of the global initiative to dedicate 67 minutes of service to make a positive impact in the world.
On arrival, the elderly were welcomed with an opening prayer, and soon after everyone sang the national anthem.
They were then separated into four groups by Sanbi personnel and visited different areas around the garden, including the medicinal garden, enabling garden, bonsai garden, and the gym to partake in activities.
Nancy Stewart (69) said that she was happy and appreciated being invited to celebrate this special day in the garden with her 95-year-old mother.
Her mother, Georginia, said she could never forget Nelson Mandela because of the work that he has done.
She said that Mandela would always be remembered because of how much he touched people’s lives.
“He made an impact in our lives and continues to do so. I think it is always important to celebrate this day with loved ones,” she said.
Dolly Govender (69) said celebrating Mandela Day with a group of other elders was nice because they had the opportunity to network with each other and learn a lot about plants.
She said they were cared for from the moment they arrived and engaged in a lot of activities, such as planting and exercising.
“The speeches they delivered were very educational, and I really enjoyed the delicious food that they cooked for us today,” she said.
Sanbi deputy director Ebirth Adams said that the event was held to celebrate Mandela Day by making senior citizens happy.
Adams said that Mandela used to be close to the elderly just as much as he was fond of children.
She said that the majority of the 200 elders were from old-age homes in Soshanguve, Mamelodi, Atteridgeville, and Eersterust.
“We wanted to teach them about the environment, the plants, and the garden so that they can become regular visitors,” said Adams.
“We wanted the elders to enjoy some fresh air because they need it a lot at their age.”
She said that they celebrate Mandela Day every year by taking elders from different communities and inviting them to the botanical garden.
“Each year we have a map, and we work according to target areas, and this year we were broad because these are previously disadvantaged people from these areas,” she said.
Adams said that being in the garden was a first-time experience for some of the elders.
“I am really proud of the event’s turnout because it was our first time hosting a big group of senior citizens,” she added.
Later on in the day, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and vehicle manufacturer Jacecoo hosted a tree planting programme in commemoration of Mandela Day.
The natal red balloon tree was planted as a way of honouring all the heroes who do good in the world even when they do not receive recognition.
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